Golf organizer

ABSTRACT

A device configured to be coupled to a user&#39;s waist, the device comprising a body comprising a front side, a rear side, and at least one pocket formed on one of the front and rear sides, at least one fastener extending from the body for coupling the body to the user, and a counter coupled to the body for providing a visual indication of a counted value.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a storage apparatus, and more particularly a device for holding and organizing valuables and other accessories typically carried during a round of golf.

The popularity of golf has grown throughout the world. During a round of golf, a golfer may carry several pieces of golf paraphernalia around the golf course. For example, to enhance the play of the game, during play a golfer may carry small accessories, such as a writing utensil, a card for recording the number of strokes taken, a ball marker for marking a position of a ball on a green, and/or personal valuables such as money, jewelry not being worn during the round of golf, and/or car keys. Other such accessories may include, but are not limited to, a divot repair tool, golf tees, and/or extra golf balls.

Although at least some known golf bags include a plurality of pockets, during play a golfer may become separated from their golf bag. As such, some golfers may prefer not to use the golf bag for carrying their valuables and other small accessories. However, carrying accessories, such as ball markers, a divot repair tool, golf tees, extra balls, scorecards, and a writing device on the person may be inconvenient and/or may provide discomfort to the golfer during the round of golf. Moreover, locating such accessories in the golfer's pocket may be difficult.

Known golf accessory storage devices do not enable a golfer to conveniently carry their accessories and personal valuables during a golf game, while allowing a golfer to easily record their stroke count during play without the use of a writing utensil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a device configured to be coupled to a user's waist is provided. The device includes a body having a front side, a rear side, and at least one pocket formed on one of the front and rear sides. The device also includes at least one fastener extending from the body for coupling the body to the user, and a counter coupled to the body for providing a visual indication of a counted value.

In another embodiment, a method of counting a number of golf shots is provided. The method includes coupling a device to a user wherein the device includes at least one pocket and a counter. The counter includes a cord coupled to the device and a plurality of markers slidably coupled to the cord. The method also includes moving a marker along the cord after each golf shot wherein movement of the marker provides a visual indication of the total number of golf shots. The method further includes recording the total number of golf shots upon completion of play.

In yet another embodiment a golf organizer is provided. The golf organizer includes a stroke counter coupled to a body wherein the body is configured to be coupled to a golfer. The stroke counter facilitates providing a visual indication of a number of golf strokes. The body includes a front side, a rear side, and at least one cavity defined therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a golf organizer; and

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the golf organizer shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a golf organizer 6. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of golf organizer 6. Golf organizer 6 includes a first side 8 and a second side 10 that are coupled together to define at least one cavity 11 therebetween. In one embodiment, first side 8 defines a front side of golf organizer 6, and second side 10 defines a rear side of golf organizer 6. In the exemplary embodiment, first side 8 is bounded by edges 12, 14, 16, and 18, and has a substantially rectangular shape, wherein edge 12 is substantially parallel to edge 16, and edge 14 is substantially parallel to edge 18. In alternative embodiments, first side 8 may have another shape, such as, for example, a circular shape, a triangular shape, or a non-traditional shape. In the exemplary embodiment, second side 10 has a shape that is complimentary to first side 8. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, second side 10 is substantially rectangular and is bounded by edges 22, 24, 26, and 28, wherein edge 22 is substantially parallel to edge 26, and edge 24 is substantially parallel to edge 28. First and second sides 8 and 10 may be fabricated from a material, such as, but not limited to, cloth, elastic, rubber, nylon, and/or other waterproof or water-resistant material that facilitates extending the useful life of organizer 6 while keeping the contents stored therein dry and protected.

During assembly of golf organizer 6, at least a portion of first side 8 is coupled to at least a portion of second side 10. In the exemplary embodiment, edge 12 is substantially coincident with and coupled to edge 22, edge 14 is substantially coincident with and coupled to edge 24, and edge 16 is substantially coincident with and coupled to edge 26. In the exemplary embodiment, edges 12 and 22, 14 and 24, and 16 and 26 are sewn together. Alternatively, edges 12 and 22, 14 and 24, and 16 and 26 may be coupled to one another using other coupling means, such as, for example, glue or a fastening device. In the exemplary embodiment, edges 18 and 28 are substantially coincident with one another but are not permanently coupled to one another. As such, golf organizer 6 is open along edges 18 and 28 to allow access to an interior portion 29 of golf organizer 6. In one embodiment, edges 18 and 28 define a top portion of golf organizer 6. In an alternative embodiment, edges 12 and 22 define an opening. In another alternative embodiment, edges 14 and 24 define an opening. In an alternative embodiment, edges 16 and 26 define an opening. Alternatively, first and second sides 8 and 10 may be formed from a single piece of material and are folded along edges 14 and 24, for example.

First and second sides 8 and 10 are coupled together to define at least one cavity or compartment 11. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, first and second portions 8 and 10 define a first cavity 30 and a second cavity 32. In one embodiment, golf organizer 6 includes a seam 34 extending from edges 18 and 28 to edges 14 and 24. More specifically, seam 34 joins first side 8 to second side 10 to define first and second cavities 30 and 32. Specifically, seam 34 divides interior portion 29 of golf organizer 6 into separate compartments 11 for storing items, such as, but not limited to, golf accessories or personal items. In the exemplary embodiment, seam 34 is formed by a sewing process. Alternatively, seam 34 may be formed using another attachment method such as, but not limited to, a gluing process, or using an attachment device.

In the exemplary embodiment, first cavity 30 is closed or sealed by a fastening mechanism 36 such that items placed in first cavity 30 are secured therein. In the exemplary embodiment, second cavity 32 is open and does not include a fastening mechanism for closing second cavity 32. In an alternative embodiment, both cavities 30 and 32 include a fastening mechanism 36. In another alternative embodiment, neither cavity 30 nor 32 includes a fastening mechanism 36. In the exemplary embodiment, fastening mechanism 36 includes a hook and pile fastener. Alternatively, any other suitable fastening device or retaining device may be used which facilitates securing first side 8 to second side 10, such as, but not limited to, mechanical fastening devices including, but not limited to, buckles, interlocking devices, hook and loop fasteners, tab and slot devices, locking mechanisms, magnets, tying systems, clips, and/or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, first cavity 30 is used to store personal items therein such as, for example, car keys, a money clip, a credit card, an identification card, or the like. In another embodiment, first cavity 30 is used to store golf accessories therein, such as, a scorecard, a pencil, golf balls, tees, a ball marker, a divot repair tool, and the like. Second cavity 32 is sized to receive the above-identified items. In the exemplary embodiment, second cavity 32 is sized to receive two golf balls therein. Specifically, second cavity 32 is sized to receive two golf balls in a secure fashion is an interference fit with the golf balls, such that the balls can not inadvertently fall out of second cavity 32.

Golf organizer 6 includes a plurality of features coupled to an exterior surface 39 of first side 8 that retain additional items, such as, for example, golf accessories and personal items. In the exemplary embodiment, golf organizer 6 includes a first pocket 40 and a second pocket 42. Alternatively, golf organizer 6 may include more or less than first and second pockets 40 and 42. In the exemplary embodiment, golf organizer also includes at least one tee retainer 44.

In the exemplary embodiment, first pocket 40 is fabricated from an elastic material and is positioned and sized to receive a ball marker (not shown). However, it shall be realized that other items, such as golf accessories or personal items, may be inserted in first pocket 40. Additionally, first pocket 40 may be fabricated from other materials, such as, but not limited to, cloth, rubber, nylon or any other material suitable for durable long-term use. First pocket 40 is coupled to first side 8 by a sewing process. Alternatively, first pocket 40 may be coupled using another attachment method such as, but not limited to, a gluing process, or using an attachment device. In the exemplary embodiment, first pocket 40 includes at least one opening 41 sized to enable items to be inserted into or removed from first pocket 40.

In the exemplary embodiment, second pocket 42 is fabricated from an elastic material and is positioned and sized to receive a divot repair tool (not shown). However, it should be realized that other items, such as golf accessories or personal items, may be inserted in second pocket 42. Additionally, second pocket 42 may be fabricated from other materials, such as, for example, cloth, rubber, nylon or any other material suitable for durable long-term use. Second pocket 42 is coupled to first side 8 by a sewing process. Alternatively, second pocket 42 may be coupled using another attachment method such as, but not limited to, a gluing process, or using an attachment device. In the exemplary embodiment, second pocket 42 includes at least one opening 43 sized to enable items to be inserted into or removed from second pocket 42.

In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of tee retainers 44 are coupled to first side 8. Tee retainers 44 are fabricated from an elastic material, and each includes a top edge 46, a bottom edge 48, and sides 50 extending therebetween. Sides 50 are coupled to first side 8 using a sewing process such that a seam extends between top and bottom edges 46 and 48. Additionally, each tee retainer 44 is open along top and bottom edges 46 and 48 such that a golf tee (not shown) may be inserted into each tee retainer 44. Specifically, golf tees may be retained in tee retainers 44 as the pointed end of each golf tee is inserted underneath a specific tee retainer 44. More specifically, golf tees may be inserted underneath either top edge 46 or bottom edge 50. Golf tees are securely retained by tee retainers 44 against first side 8. Additionally, a pencil (not shown) may similarly be retained by tee retainer 44.

A counter 60 is coupled to golf organizer 6. In the exemplary embodiment, counter 60 includes a cord or wire 62 extending between a first end 64 and a second end 66. Cord 62 is fabricated from an elastic material. Alternatively, cord 62 may be fabricated from other materials such as, but not limited to, cloth, rubber, nylon, or other materials. Counter ends 64 and 66 are coupled to golf organizer 6 by a sewing process. Alternatively, ends 64 and 66 may be coupled using another attachment method such as, but not limited to, a gluing process, or using an attachment device, such as, for example, a fastening mechanism.

In the exemplary embodiment, counter 60 includes a plurality of markers 68 that provide a visual indication of a counted value. Specifically, markers 68 are slidably coupled to cord 62 such that each golf stroke taken by a golfer during play my be accounted for by moving or sliding a respective marker 68 along cord 62. In the exemplary embodiment, markers 68 each include an opening 70 extending therethrough that enables markers 68 to be slidably coupled to cord 62. In one embodiment, markers 68 are each beads. Openings 70 are sized to enable markers 68 to be slidably coupled to cord 62 in a slight interference fit. The interference fit facilitates reducing inadvertent movement of markers 68 with respect to cord 62. In the exemplary embodiment, markers 68 may be individually, or as a group, moved along cord 62 between ends 64 and 66.

A plurality of retainers 80 are coupled to second side 10. In the exemplary embodiment, retainers 80 are fabricated from an elastic material. Each retainer 80 includes a top edge 82, a bottom edge 84, and sides 86 extending therebetween. Top and bottom edges 82 and 84, respectively, are coupled to second side 10 using a sewing process such that a seam 88 is formed between sides 86 of each retainer 80. Additionally, each retainer 80 is open along each side 86 such that retainer 80 may be coupled to a golfer's belt (not shown). Specifically, a belt may be inserted through the openings along sides 86 of each retainer 80 such that the belt is positioned between each retainer 80 and second side 8. As such, golf organizer 6 may be secured to the golfer during play of the golf game.

In use, prior to beginning a round of golf, a user inserts a belt through retainers 80 to secure golf organizer 6 to his or her person. The user then inserts desired accessories for playing the game of golf, including, but not limited to, a divot repair tool in second pocket 42, a ball marker in first pocket 40, golf tees in tee retainers 44, golf balls in second cavity 32, and/or personal or other items, such as keys, cash, credit cards, scorecard, and/or a writing utensil in first cavity 30. Prior to beginning a hole, the user positions all markers 68 along cord 62 at either end 66 or end 64 to indicate a zero reading. After each golf stroke, the user slides a single marker 68 from its location to an opposite end of cord 62. The user continues to count golf strokes until the user has completed that particular golf hole, at which point counter 60 provides a record of the number of golf strokes taken during that particular hole. Alternatively, the golfer may use counter 60 to score a number of golf strokes on more than one hole. After recording the number of strokes on a scorecard, the user may then slide all markers 68 along cord 62 to either end 64 or end 66 of cord 62 to indicate again a zero reading.

Accordingly, during use, the user may easily and conveniently access the golf accessories contained in cavities 30 and 32 and/or pockets 40 42. The user may also easily and conveniently access golf tees stored in tee retainers 44. Golf balls stored in cavity 32 may be conveniently accessed to replace golf balls inadvertently lost during play. Moreover, a user may not want to store valuables, such as money, credit cards, or an identification card in a car or in a golf bag. Cavity 30 may serve to store such personal items during play.

The above-described golf organizer is cost-effective and highly reliable. The golf organizer enables a golfer to simply and conveniently store and transport both personal items and golf accessories during a round of golf. Additionally, the items are easily accessible when needed. Moreover, the golf organizer includes a counter to facilitate tracking a number of golf strokes during play. Accordingly, the golf organizer facilitates aiding a golfer in a cost-effective and reliable manner during a round of golf.

Exemplary embodiments of golf organizers are described above in detail. The golf organizers are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each organizer may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

1. A device configured to be coupled to a user's waist, said device comprising: a body comprising a front side, a rear side, and at least one pocket formed on one of said front and rear sides; at least one fastener extending from said body for coupling said body to the user; and a counter coupled to said body for providing a visual indication of a counted value.
 2. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body is fabricated from a flexible material.
 3. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body defines at least one cavity therein.
 4. A device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said at least one cavity is formed integrally with at least one of said front and rear sides, said device further comprising a fastening mechanism configured to selectively close said at least one cavity.
 5. A device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said at least one cavity is at least partially defined by said front and rear sides, said at least one cavity is open along one side of said body, said at least one cavity is selectively closed using a fastening mechanism.
 6. A device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said body comprises a top side, a bottom side, and at least one seam that bifurcates said at least one cavity, said at least one seam extends between said top side and said bottom side of said body such that a first compartment and a second compartment are defined by said at least one cavity.
 7. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body defines at least two cavities therein, wherein at least one of said at least two cavities is selectively closed using a fastening mechanism.
 8. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said at least one pocket is fabricated from an elastic material.
 9. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said counter comprises: a cord comprising a first end and a second end that are each coupled to one of said front and rear sides; and a plurality of markers slidably coupled to said cord.
 10. A device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said cord is fabricated from an elastic material, said plurality of markers each comprise an opening extending therethrough, said cord extending through said opening.
 11. A device in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least one retainer coupled to said body for retaining at least one golf tee therein.
 12. A device in accordance with claim 11 wherein said at least one retainer is fabricated from an elastic material.
 13. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body is fabricated from a water-resistant material.
 14. A method of counting a number of golf shots comprising: coupling a device to a user wherein the device includes at least one pocket and a counter, wherein the counter includes a cord coupled to the device and a plurality of markers slidably coupled to the cord; moving a marker along the cord after each golf shot wherein movement of the marker provides a visual indication of the total number of golf shots; and recording the total number of golf shots upon completion of play.
 15. A golf organizer comprising a stroke counter coupled to a body wherein said body is configured to be coupled to a golfer, said stroke counter facilitates providing a visual indication of a number of golf strokes, said body comprises a front side, a rear side, and at least one cavity defined therebetween.
 16. A golf organizer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said counter comprises a cord comprising a first end and a second end that are each coupled to one of said front and rear sides, and a plurality of markers slidably coupled to said cord.
 17. A golf organizer in accordance with claim 16 wherein said cord is fabricated from an elastic material, said plurality of markers each comprise an opening extending therethrough, said cord configured to extend through said opening.
 18. A golf organizer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said body comprises a top side, a bottom side, and at least one seam that bifurcates said at least one cavity, said at least one seam extends between said top side and said bottom side of said body such that a first compartment and a second compartment are defined by said at least one cavity.
 19. A golf organizer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said body further comprises at least one pocket coupled to said front side, and at least one fastener coupled to said rear side.
 20. A golf organizer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said body further comprises at least one tee retainer coupled to said front side. 